GAMEBOY MINIMACHINE (aka MINI MEGAMACHINE) build notes

[fredrik]

I finally got around to publish the MIDI panel I used for the GAMEBOY MINIMACHINE that appeared in this video:

so I guess it’s about time I posted some build instructions, in case you’d like to build you own.

Contents:

• Panels (this post)
• Schematics
• Arduino Code Archive

3D Panels

First, the 3D parts. They’re a bunch of Polypanels, 3D bits that are printed separately and snapped together. You need:

2× https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-103328 led panel
1× https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-93575 matrix panel
1× https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-112219 midi panel
2× https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-90563 trapezoid (solid or open)
4× https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-89718 rectangle (solid or open)
2× https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-93608 rectangle (70x30 or breadboard)

plus a 3D printer (or a friend with one).

(I’m not entirely sure what I used for the entirely optional tiny gameboys in the video, but it was probably a downscaled version of this model)

Putting the pieces together:

See comments below for schematics & code.

[fredrik]

Ok, time for some schematics. First, a block diagram:

MIDI input module

The output from the opto coupler goes to RX on the Arduino, optionally via a switch or jumper so you can temporarily break the connection if you want to re-program the Ardino without removing it from the socket.

LED matrix display driver

You need two of these, with the second driver’s DIN connected to the DOUT of the first one.

The easiest way to build this is to source a few LED matrix kits off ebay or similar (just search for “MAX7219”). They ship with a 32 mm 8×8 LED matrix, which can be used as is for the small grid. For the larger 8×6 display, you have to roll your own LED matrix, but you can wire it up to match the 8x8 matrix pinout and use the kit’s PCB as is. Or if you make sure to get a kit with a 24-pin DIP (standard though-hole IC) instead of a SOIC (surface mount), you can just keep the chip and build the circuit on perf board.

Code to follow.

[Caustic]

Love the ikea style! Thanks for the documentation Fred!

[Bitnik]

I’ve no idea what this thing is supposed to do, but the details are fascinating. More of this kind of thing, please.

[fredrik]

For background, watch GAMEBOY MEGAMACHINE episodes #8: Its Now A Massive Screen! and #10: GAMEBOY MEGAMACHINE V GAMEBOY MINIMACHINE - Pixel submissions.

[lookmumnocomputer]

awesome!!! ill pop a link to this page on the gameboy megamachine page looking good!!!

[fredrik]

Code: https://www.dropbox.com/s/71lce1fbeyfhsj3/lmnc_gameboy_minimachine.zip

(dropbox for now, may move it later )